Graduate Research Assistant Jobs in Springfield, IL

Salary: $5,290.00 Monthly
Location : Springfield, IL
Job Type: Principal Administrative
Job Number: 2402280
Department: Surgery-SMS
Division: Neurosurgery
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Shift: Days
ExemptorNon_Exempt: Exempt
SMS/SWS#: 3836
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Description
Lead clinical research initiatives under direction of the Division Chief of Neurosurgery, with
emphasis on neurosurgical outcomes, glioma biology, neurotrauma, spine, and skull base
research. Responsibilities include study design, data analysis, scholarly publication, grant
development, and collaboration with faculty and trainees.
Examples of Duties
I. Research 75%
A. Design and conduct retrospective clinical research studies utilizing EMR data and
appropriate national or multicenter databases.
B. Develop research questions, hypotheses, study protocols, data collection
methodologies, and analytic plans in collaboration with faculty investigators.
C. Lead and participate in systematic reviews and meta-analyses addressing clinically
relevant questions and best practices in neurosurgical care.
D. Conduct statistical and outcomes analyses using appropriate quantitative methods,
which may include survival analysis, regression modeling, propensity score methods,
and other advanced statistical techniques.
E. Participate in prospective clinical research and clinical trials, including protocol
implementation, recruitment activities, data collection, quality assurance, and monitoring.
F. Analyze and interpret research findings in collaboration with faculty investigators and
other members of the research team.
G. Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals,
with an expectation of sustained scholarly productivity and opportunities for first-author
publication.
H. Maintain a high output of first-author publications and present data at regional, national,
and international scientific meetings, including neurosurgical conferences such as the
Congress of Neurological Surgeons and American Association of Neurological Surgeons
annual meetings.
I. Develop innovative clinical and translational research projects in areas relevant to the
Department of Neurosurgery, including glioma biology, neurotrauma, spine, skull base
surgery, and neurosurgical outcomes.
J. Identify potential sources of research funding and participate in preparation of grant
proposals, fellowship applications, and career development awards.
K. Collaborate with neurosurgery faculty, residents, students, statisticians, research
personnel, and investigators from other departments or institutions to support
multidisciplinary research.
L. Maintain familiarity with current scientific literature and emerging research
methodologies relevant to assigned areas of investigation.
II. Teaching 10%
A. Assist in the education and mentorship of medical students, graduate students,
residents, and other trainees participating in neurosurgical research.
B. Provide instruction and guidance related to research methodology, study design,
literature review, data collection, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and presentation of
research findings.
C. Support trainees in the development and completion of abstracts, manuscripts, posters,
presentations, and other scholarly work.
D. Participate in research conferences, journal clubs, seminars, and other educational
activities within the Department of Neurosurgery and School of Medicine as appropriate.
III. Administration 10%
A. Coordinate the operational aspects of assigned clinical research projects, including
study timelines, documentation, data management, and communication among research
team members.
B. Assist with preparation and submission of Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications,
amendments, continuing reviews, and other regulatory documentation.
C. Assist with coordination of prospective clinical trials, including study initiation, participant
recruitment processes, regulatory compliance, and data monitoring.
D. Maintain accurate research records and ensure that research activities are conducted in
accordance with institutional policies, study protocols, and applicable regulatory
requirements.
E. Assist in identifying appropriate internal and external funding opportunities and preparing
research grant and career development award applications.
F. Participate in departmental research meetings and assist with planning and prioritization
of ongoing research initiatives.
IV. Service 5%
A. Participate in departmental, School of Medicine, and university research-related
activities as assigned.
B. Contribute to departmental research conferences, scholarly activities, and collaborative
initiatives.
C. Assist with activities that promote the academic and research missions of the
Department of Neurosurgery and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
D. Represent the department through presentation of research findings and participation in
appropriate professional and scientific organizations and meetings.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• MD, DO, or PhD in Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field.
• Sensitive to the needs of underrepresented minority populations.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
• 1 year of demonstrated experience in clinical study design, IRB protocols, and medical
manuscript preparation.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical software package (e.g., SPSS).
• Exceptional writing skills and the ability to explain complex clinical data to both clinicians
and researchers.
Supplemental Information
If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at or call 217-545-0223 Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community.
The SIU School of Medicine Annual Security Report is available online at This report contains policy statements and crime statistics for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. This report is published in compliance with Federal Law titled the
"Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act."
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer who provides equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or marital status in accordance with local, state and federal law.
Pre-employment background screenings required.
Paid time off: Includes 12 paid holidays per year. Accrual rates vary based on employment type and years of service
Paid sick time: Use for personal illness, doctor visits, or if your immediate family members fall ill
Health, Dental, and Life insurance
Optional life insurance: Your spouse and dependents can enroll in State term life and university-sponsored term life insurance.
Prescription: Plan participants enrolled in any state health plan have prescription drug benefits included in the coverage.
Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible spending accounts: Optional, IRS tax-favored program that enables you to stretch medical expenses and dependent care dollars
Voluntary retirement accounts: Optional plans include the State of Illinois Deferred Compensation Plan (457) and Tax Deferred Annuity (403b).
Tuition Waiver/Tuition Reimbursement: Continue your graduate or undergraduate education with the help of tuition waivers or tuition reimbursement
Leaves of absence: Includes FMLA and Extended Sick Leave Benefits for qualified employees
Employee Assistance Program: Access free and confidential support, including counseling services, and information during difficult times
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